X-Cellent Lions win inaugural AFLX Sydney tournament

The Brisbane Lions have proven to be the surprise packet of the inaugural AFLX tournament played in Sydney. The Lions easily accounted for the Sydney Swans in the grand final decider going out 67 -41 winners. Over 9,000 fans turned up at the Sydney Football Stadium to enjoy the carnival like atmosphere of fast flowing football and the big 10 point scoring “Zooper” goals.

Gold Coast Suns Touk Miller in action against the Western Bulldogs during the AFLX Sydney tournament. Photo: Jodie Newell

The majority of players and coaches seemed to enjoy the format which brought much needed game practice and physical conditioning to all sides. Thankfully no serious injuries were recorded throughout the AFLX tournament which will leave many club physios and coaches breathing a sigh of relief.The seven games provided plenty of entertainment and the much hyped “Zooper Goal” brought a roar from the crowd especially when the home teams in Sydney and the Greater Western Sydney Giants slotted home a 10-pointer.

For the Sydney based teams, the Swans were the better performers. They won their pool games against the Western Bulldogs (which they blasted out of the park with a total of 88 points) and the Gold Coast Suns. In the grand final they ran up against a slick Brisbane Lions outfit and were never really in the hunt. The Swans players that caught the eye were Dane Rampe who seemed to relish the free flowing game, as did Harry Cunningham and James Rose. James Bell who hasn’t played a senior game showed some quality glimpses and he’s a player to keep an eye on in 2018.

The Greater Western Sydney Giants had a so-so tournament losing both games to Richmond and Brisbane. The team was made up of mostly youngsters. The standout new recruit for the GWS for me, was Aiden Bonar. He showed plenty of glimpses of why he was the Giants first pick in the 2017 draft. Bonar has height and pace and had a good eye for the ball. Hopefully that will translate on a bigger stage sometime later this year. Another pleasing aspect from the GWS Giants perspective was Lachie Whitfields’s post-match comments to us. When asked about how the team was navigating the pre-season, Lachie was quick to point out the team had a strong desire to make amends for the major disappointment of losing last year’s preliminary final. Some clubs like to say they’ve moved on or forgotten “the past” but it was refreshing to hear that Lachie felt his Giants team had unfinished business and were determined to make up for it.

GWS Giants midfielder Lachie Whitfield. Lachie told us post-game the GWS Giants are determined to make 2018 a better year Photo: Jodie Newell